Restaurant. Achilles wore a freshly grown adolescent beard and tried to look serious. Daddy's eyes were filled with joy, and Aunt Catherine's eyes were filled with pride. Her husband, Roger, smiled calmly and looked at the cake with a hint of gluttony. It's so big, white and red! Strawberries all over your body!

"Come on, darling, blow out the candles."

I take a deep breath and blow. I'm going to put out so many little lights. It took a long time for everyone to calm down, but soon, I was finally done. It's time for a slice!

I stabbed and looked up in the dark. A shriveled man stared at him, eyes embedded deep in his skull. Only skin as yellowed as parchment paper stuck to it, and there was not even a tuft of hair on his ancient scalp.

“W-what ?”

"It took you a long time......"

The dried corpse fell silently on the rotting table, joining the others. I dropped the knife on the ground. It remains upright and plunges deep into the woman's sternum. She had blonde hair and a face that I was all too familiar with. She was left with deep tear stains on her cheeks. Her warm blood rolled around on the table, dripping onto my legs.

The corpse sat up and applauded, but I only heard one person clapping.

The scene disappeared like sand in the wind, and we stood on the edge of my spiritual fortress.

My father looked like a down-and-out prince. He wears a dark suit and a white shirt with open buttons. His black curls hung loosely, making him almost relaxed. His smile was a little cynical, but still tinged with a hint of pride.

"I want to be the first to congratulate you on joining the ranks of the Masters. I hope you'll forgive me for interrupting... Whatever it is. After all, this is the last time I'll be able to visit freely. ”

"What do you want?" I roared.

"There's no need to be so hostile, Bloodline Princess. As I said, I'm only here to pay tribute to a great achievement. At first, you were just entertaining, and now you have grown into a real princess. You've achieved a lot in a relatively short amount of time, and more importantly, you've done it in an enjoyable way. Your enemies are crushed, your allies are loyal, and your debts are paid. You deserve to be my child. ”

"You know your compliments aren't much to me. You didn't help me in any way, if anything, I succeeded despite you. ”

"Yes, you should. Devourers are self-made, at least the three of you are still alive. We don't have many survivors, but we are strong. I'm leaving you now. You can receive your adult gift within a month. Don't die. ”

He took a step back and vanished. The thorny roots that had begun to glide towards him retracted like disappointed cats. He said it was the last time he was free to come here. That is to say, from now on the fortress is completely mine. People who dare to disturb my will—

Knock knock knock.

I took a step and walked to the edge of the tree, the thick, pointed branches sliding to the side, revealing a marcher dressed in the lean armor of white and blue of the summer sky. He swaggered in, like a diva in an art gallery, obnoxiously tall and unobtably shiny. Likaea

The prince lazily arranges his golden hair with the artist's hand. The grass sparkles at his feet and takes on a different quality.

"Well done, baby, well done!" I'm so happy for your progress! In a few decades, you'll be of great use!"

"Cinny! What are you doing here?"

Before he could answer, another man joined him. Shivaya radiated in her Likaya form. In the shades of pearl white and ocean blue, she is beautiful and subdued. Her face was more elfish and ethereal, almost too strange. When she moved, her steps were so light that not a single blade of grass was disturbed, except for the slightest movement of her flowing sky-blue robes. I spoke to her immediately.

"Thank you, Lady Sivaya, for the gift. Is...... Against all odds. ”

There was a long silence, and both Sinid and I waited to see if she would answer. Finally, she turned her head, and her whole demeanor changed from elegant distancing to obvious shyness. Her voice has an ethereal quality, as if heard from some echoing cavern.

"No thanks, vampire."

Then she turned and left. Sinid watched her disappear, looking thoughtful. Then he turned around and gave me another dazzling smile.

"So, you've broken your chains! You're your own woman, vampire or something. Think about how high we will reach together! Can you join us now, or are you busy?"

"There's a kill at first sight order over my head, and one of the most powerful tribes on the planet trying to enslave me......"

"Pffft! Things get interesting when you have to unravel three episodes related to your life every month. ”

"Your court sounds like a treasure. Alas, I think I would voluntarily choose to go into exile. ”

So you show your naivety. The weak and non-aligned are always taken care of so that they do not become problems later. Enough, I'm not here to give you a lesson, but to see if you've wasted our talents. So, tell me, what else are you doing with it other than cutting that weird umbilical cord at the end?"

"I killed a thug sent by an opponent to hunt me down"

"Only one? Disappointing. ”

"Hey! So that you can criticize. Human resource management. If I had known I had drunk your blood, I would have fallen into the abyss......"

"Tut, baby, I don't want to hear you accuse me, especially since you've had a lot of opportunities to taste my liquid, but you haven't."

"Get out."

"I'll wait a month or so before contacting. No sunbathing when I'm not around! See you later. ”

The tall figure in armor departed leisurely, leaving a vivid green mark that would never fade. I stared at the wall for a moment and realized that my so-called fortress was more of a reception room than a real fortress. Shouldn't I try to design a nice gazebo where everyone can sit and have tea? I'm speechless.

With a final sigh, I decided to go back to my bedroom. I miss Dad and Dalton tonight. I would look at their reproduced portraits and reminisce for a while. It's good for me.

I woke up in bed, staring in horror. Something is wrong.

A crimson light shone through the room's heavy curtains, casting an ominous glow on the walls. That is death, death and suffering. Fear gripped my heart, and I got up and ran away.

Or at least, I'm trying.

I felt weak. My limbs were heavy, and my attempt to jump turned into a fall. I slipped off the bed and fell awkwardly to the floor. I felt fever and weak. I tried my best, got up, and stared at him.

The light is still here, slowly propagating upwards.

Fear gripped my chest. My instincts tell me there's danger. I slowly walked over to the fireplace and pressed a button next to it. The secret passage to my safe house quietly opened.

I don't accept it.

Something strange happened. I need to understand. I find these instincts very strange, and this hypothetical light of doom is quite mild for a deadly threat.

I watched, and resisted the urge to back down. It slid higher and higher, and then disappeared, and with it my weakness. In an instant, as usual, I went from fever and weakness to very alert. The understanding made my eyes widen.

Sun.

I saw the sun. I woke up before dusk! I really am a master! It's not an illusion. And then......

I closed my eyes and relaxed. I can feel it myself. My essence. It centered on my chest and extended outward to my limbs through veins and networks. The channels are thin at the moment, but they will grow sooner or later.

I tried to hide my aura, like Nami gave me, and while my controls were already smooth, I had more difficulties. My aura will burst and drop randomly. I'm not too worried. I remember Isaac saying something similar. It will take at least a week for everything to return to normal.

Now, it's time for the moment.

"Lord Nelari is an idiot."

I held my breath and waited, which was not surprising because I wasn't breathing in the first place.

Nothing.

"Lord Nelari is a fool, I say he's a fool!" Ha ha! A sucker! Hahaha!"

I can speak ill of him! I can say bad things, but I don't want to. Nursing. It's great!

"He's a fool and smells like he stinks!" And he has a bad taste in clothes!"

Those are all lies. I'm just testing the limits of my newfound freedom.

"He's ready to meet the sun!" Hahaha! Eeep !”

When there was a knock on the door, I was taken aback.

"Uh-huh. In. ”

Merritt's tired face greeted me. She stared at me angrily.

"Are you having fun?"

"I don't know what you're referring to."

She rolled her eyes, something Ollie had been doing a lot lately, and I associated her with exhaustion. I was relaxed and went to bed. She must have put a lot of effort into dealing with the aftermath of yesterday's incident.

"How?" I asked softly.

"A lot of things happen when you sleep in beauty sleep. Wallace's men spent most of the day chasing after those straggled, making sure they couldn't regroup. They think we're safe now, especially since Sullivan is dead. Most of the remains have been cleared and a funeral will be held for our remains on Sunday. Including us, we lost 37 people, and there were probably four more before tonight. While we have more than fifty more injured, the rest should recover. The National Guard lost 6 people, including Penelope. Annabelle had two fingers knocked off. Harrigan said your security guard lost three, but a lot of people were injured. The townspeople lost seven people, including Schrödinger. He died covering his wife's retreat. ”

I cringe. I rarely care about mortal life, and usually, when I do, it feels weird.

Merritt isn't over yet.

The militia found more than a thousand dollars worth of gold in their command tent. The committee held an emergency meeting and decided to use the money to rehabilitate the town and compensate the families of the victims. Marquette is still in disarray, with most of the roadblocks still there. I expect it will take three days to get back to normal. ”

"I see."

There were signs that Merritt had something else on his mind, so I waited. For some reason, she seems to be rebellious.

"Where have you been?" I've been looking for you all night. ”

"I killed the vampire who attacked us in a single fight, and then I fell."

The aggressiveness she had accumulated disappeared in an instant.

"I'm sorry, I don't know. That must have been hard. ”

I remember grazing the wall behind me and climbing up, covered in bruises and with a broken nose.

"Yes. Yes, it is. ”

"Yes, I'm sorry. And, thank you. So, I'll have to ask...... Are you leaving?"

Ah, I see.

"We've already talked about it. I'm leaving, just tonight. ”

"Can't you wait until everything is settled?"

"Sooner or later, the knight will come to me. I've got to go, Merritt, we've talked about it. ”

"Hmm...... I think so!"

For a moment, she was the same young mage I had met against the superior forces. Despite all this experience, Merritt was still the emotional woman who, after three days of knowing me, stood up to face the team of knights I was standing next to me.

"I'll miss you too."

"What? She stammered, "Well, yes, I mean. "Parameters! Let's go downstairs. I still have some things to work out for you. ”

I nodded, picking up my prepared backpack before leaving. Everything else is ready.

I was surprised that Dream was silent most of the time. Fighting has a way of making people seek the purest expression of life, and few say that life is like unconscious sex. I came to the workshop, where only the relics of the Merritt family remained.

She stood next to an anvil. I was amazed to see the heavy piece crack in the middle.

"What is this?"

She pointed down without saying a word, and I walked around the iron, trying to see what had broken it.

"Oh."

That's my spearhead. It's still in perfect condition! Sivaya is doing a great job.

"Would you mind taking it off?" Many have tried, but all have failed, and Mr. Sully wants to get it back. ”

"Not at all."

I pushed against the solid piece of iron, pulled out the blade, and let out a tormenting metal scream. I checked the tip. It doesn't look damaged. I'm very impressed!

Merritt shook her head and whispered, "Vampire ......" I giggled as she led me upstairs to the main room.

When she opened it, I heard too much heartbeat and soon it was too late to run away.

This is where the revelers wait. A large group of people lined up in the room. They remained silent until I intervened. Even the mayor came.

He applauded first, and then everyone joined him, creating a thunderous noise that shook the building.

Well.

I...... I feel ...... Strangely emotional.

Someone hugged me, a girl who had joined the village group.

"Annabella ......"

Before she released me, another joined her, then another. At the same time, drinks and food were distributed around, and people said goodbye to me one by one.

I'm going to leave quietly. Some will say that Sullivan is here because of me, and that the army attacked us because I was there.

On the other hand, I do a lot for the city and I will stay when it matters. I follow the spirit of Enu and rule justly. It was the end of twenty years of rule.

I think I'm weird, but it's not because my aura is too dazzling.

I think......

I feel sad.

I'm leaving Te forever. In the last three years, this moment couldn't have come sooner. It was only now, at the moment I left, that I realized that I was going to have to leave all the good things, and the most beautiful thing was the people. How I love and hate them. The men and women of the frontiers. They are stubborn, superstitious, judgmental, and moody, but behind this, there is a kind and brave heart. They come forward when it matters most, while others may run away in panic. I made my way through the crowd and greeted Oscar, my bartender, Solomon who saved me, the Creek brothers and the rest of the quirky squad, Kitty and the girls, Irma, and some of the family. Regulars who come here every week and citizens who have never been here before come here to pay their respects. Gradually, I also began to accumulate gifts. Harrigan left me a copy of his lucky knife with a bat skull on the hilt. Ollie and Lynn painted me some lovely pictures of me beating up the wolves and judges who loved me forever. They even painted fangs. I got trinkets, carvings and enough cutlery and wine glasses to open another inn. All of this will be put into a huge safe and I will have to transport it out as well.

It took me a full two hours to find out all the people and say hello. By that point, each goodbye had become longer because of the high drunkenness of my interlocutor, and I had to come out of more passionate declarations than I had to face in the last five years.

I walked out of the house and faced the hardest goodbye. I can't take anyone with me, because strictly speaking, I will be "detained" and every aspect of my travels, including nutrition and safety, will be in the hands of the knights.

"John."

The giant's eyes were completely wide open, and the bow of his terrible mouth bent upwards until....

“BWAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAA.”

His howl sounded like a crowd blowing horns with holes pierced. Before I could comfort him, he took me in his arms.

"Oops!"

Oh, my spine is broken. That would definitely kill a mortal......

I awkwardly patted him on the shoulder, and he turned the front of my skirt into his personal handkerchief.

"Don't worry, we'll meet again. It's just goodbye. ”

It took him a long time to let go, and when he did, he looked lost. I realized that I had an emotion that I almost never had when I was awake. Guilt. As part of another agreement, the cattle would be sent to Charleston, but John was different. He is not a cow, not a subject, not a vassal. He's just a guy who shows loyalty to me. Now I'm leaving him.

"I need you to stay here and protect Merritt. She's strong, but she can't notice everything like you do. You stay here and watch her. I'm counting on you. ”

The fool nodded, holding back his own weeping, which only made his face more miserable, and tears ran down his rosy cheeks. I'm not too worried. Merritt certainly needs a bodyguard.

Speaking of red-haired devils.

"Well, it's goodbye."

I nodded. It is.

"I must say that two years ago I would never have thought of ...... But...... God, I made a mess of things, didn't I?"

I cringe.

"Ah, I'm sorry. Still can't believe I'm going to take over a large part of town for a friend who also happens to be a legendary undead. I had to run away for so long to get away from the Pikes and protect the kids. I am ready to die in exile, so to speak. Is all this true, or am I dying of a fever somewhere?"

"If you are, please don't keep dreaming that I'm in mortal danger, okay?"

"Huh. Ah, enough is enough. Take care of yourself, and if those knights get you in trouble, I'll beat them up." Live and come to see me once in a while. ”

"Thank you Merritt. Be careful and write often. Good bye. ”

I picked up my backpack, waved my last hand, and rode into the night.

Then I stopped behind a barn because John was drooling all over my clothes and I needed to change.

The sound of the Métis hooves joins the sounds of the night in a rhythmic pattern. Wild beasts hunt, mate, and die in the creaking woods and rustling winds. The smell of sap and dust is almost irresistible.

The road leads us to the top of a hill. The land here is flat, and some strange groves bring some changes to the otherwise drab landscape.

I was nervous. Here it is. The campfire shone clearly in my field of vision, surrounded by three armored wagons, which the army did not dare to attack. A small lighthouse was lit to guide me to them.

Jime

A is here, but she's not alone. This is the moment of truth. For the first time since I escaped, I had to surrender my freedom to a higher authority, hoping that they would honor their oaths. Normally I don't take the risk of such stupidity, but it's the best opportunity I can get.

Métis pushes forward. Beside the fire, I saw two men in gray slab knight's armor. Whoever it was, they decided to hide.

I took one last deep breath to keep my composure and restrain my aura.

As I dismounted at the edge of the circle, two pairs of eyes were staring at me. When I confront them, I stop.

Shimena was as dignified as ever, except that her smile became even brighter when she accepted my new essence. On the contrary, Anatoly looks like swallowing a bucket of lemons. His hand never left the noble sword at his side.

"I see that you have begun to face your judgment. I'm afraid you're running away again. ”

With blonde hair, blue eyes and a handsome face, Anatoly still looks like Prince Charming from a fairy tale. With Jime

A's square chin contrasts with the tomboy's appearance. Bombastic bastards and pragmatic friends. One is a hypocrite who invokes the rules, and the other is a noble knight who obeys the rules in letter and spirit.

I just raised an eyebrow, and Shimena added in a slightly superiority tone.

"Do you want me to read a search warrant, Captain?"

This disrespect is hardly disguised. Anatoly said obediently with a frown. His voice was cold and professional, with a hint of contempt. There's nothing he can do, he knows, and he knows we all know. His posture of weakness and anger was delicious, and I found myself relaxing and enjoying the humiliation of the moment.

"You were charged with misconduct and ordered to stand a trial by a jury made up of your colleagues and the Speaker. We are now going to detain you. You have the right to be silent, and you have the right to safe and reasonable nutrition. It is your responsibility to comply with our instructions during the transfer. You are obliged to surrender any and all worldly and magical tools and weapons you may have, without limits. You can't socialize with anyone......"

"Including the Métis?" I asked in amazement.

"of. Any. Sort. Annoyed, he replied, "My squad will ensure your transportation, and so will your safety." "Will you do it?"

He looked hopeful for a moment. I noticed Shimena's serene smile and her imperceptible nod. She's confident.

"Yes, I agree."

I turned to Métis and untied her from the harness. Once she was completely free, I turned around and filmed her, but she surprised me again.

The proud nightmare rested her head on my shoulder. I was so touched that I reached out and stroked her chin. As I got closer, she took a few steps back, blew into my face, and galloped away, letting out a hissed that sounded like laughter.

"I see that you have a good relationship," Ximena said coldly. Anatoly graciously remained silent, looking intently at my gear.

I approached and took out a spearhead that had not yet been repaired, a silver pistol, three throwing knives, and a dagger hanging from a harness.

"Are you a little underarmed?" Shimena asked with a knowing smile.

"I know," I replied, "I left my rifle and some other stuff behind." I guess I should travel light. ”

"...... right"

"Haven't you forgotten something?" Anatoly asked impatiently.

I thought about it for a moment. Am I?

"It doesn't matter what tools you use to avoid detection."

"Ah, yes."

I pulled out the earrings. They added a bunch of things that have helped me survive to this day.

"Aisha, please come over and check and see if she's hiding anything."

As Anatoly spoke, a locked door on the side of a carriage crept open, and the masked female knight stepped out of Suarez's displeasure unscathed, and soon two other warriors followed. Her eyes were so dark that they looked like pits, and she controlled her expression and aura so perfectly that I found myself unable to read her. She humbly and gracefully picked Nashoba's gift, examining it carefully. Carved amber sparkles in the firelight. She nodded.

"Is there anything else on her?" Anatoly asked, and the rest of his team got out of the car.

The woman closed her eyes and faced me. I felt the gentlest touch of power, not intrusive, but still annoying.

“No.”

Silent.

"Can we go now, or do you want me to search her too?" Jimina asked.

Suddenly, I understood the game. Shimena stood with her back to me, looking seemingly calm, a clear sign of her loyalty. Anatoly faced me, which opened his side to Shimena. His posture was tense, his face was angry, and if a subordinate humiliated me in front of his squad and an outsider, I would do the same. In the end, the three remaining members of his team sat on the sidelines, showing neutrality, that is, a lack of support for their leader.

The biggest man in the squad is probably searching the mountains for enemies. He is not a handsome man, and his shaved scalp makes him look intimidating. I saw him find the shield and the axe again. The sneaky guy with the knife leaned leisurely on the carriage, blinking as our eyes met. He's pretty with thick black hair and almond eyes, so I think other people might be smitten by him. I've seen Sinid's work though, and I have a certain immunity to mischievous charm. It's too much trouble.

This woman is the strangest of the group. She was shorter than me, very thin, but very dignified. Her only obvious weapon is a stick that I think is old-fashioned. Mages nowadays prefer handguards because they are small, effective, and more importantly, harmless. In a country that burned witches at the stake a century ago, carrying a magic wand with you is not good for prudence.

Anatoly gave a murderous last look and relented.

"Very well, take her in, we'll go when we're ready."

"I'll do it." Jime

A immediate answer. Anatoly stared at me coldly, but didn't say anything, and I followed my friend.

I understand.

Anatoly came with his entire squad to arrest me and escort me back, they were not waiting for me in ambush, but at least they were fully armed. I knew that the Knights were a valuable resource, but he decided to finish Jime with everyone else

A task that can be done by one person. He still wanted me dead. Thanks to the Watchmen for bringing Shimena.

The interior of the carriage is surprisingly spacious. The off-white velvet furnishings gave the room a cosy feel, and I felt as if I had just stepped into the luxury cabin of a luxury cruise ship. A secure sarcophagus and a well-equipped weapon rack are the only things that stand out from the rest.

I love it.

"Wow."

"Welcome to my humble house" Jime

A said proudly, and the three mortals walked out quickly, their eyes kept down.

"Do you always arrange your trips like that?"

"Wait a minute."

After they're gone, Jime

A locks the door, presses the runes, and with a buzzing sound, the magic is deployed. Any noise outside was cut off.

Jimina picked me up.

“Ooof !”

"The hosts! You are a master! I'm so proud! Look with your eyes, you're full of surprises! How did this happen?"

"It's an interesting story. I...... Got some Likaea

Prime. ”

"Faeries? How are you ...... Forget it, keep it a secret. ”

"I drank it while I was fighting with Lambert, and now we're together."

"You face Lambert?" Jimena suddenly became serious and asked, "Where is he now?"

"Uh-huh."

"You killed him, didn't you?"

“Yes…”

I stared at Ximena worriedly, but she looked excited.

"You killed Lambert...... My dream ...... How I wish I could see the horrible look on his face as he turned to ashes here. "Well done, well done."

"I thought killing vampires was frowned upon?"

Jime

A shrugged.

"In the political conflict between families and clans, yes. Not so here, because you're fighting for your own survival. We are not talking here about the change of territory, we are talking about despicable servitude. If anything, killing a major tribal enforcer will improve your odds of forming a valuable partnership. In our circles, a competent, reliable ally is worth more than gold. ”

That's great to hear you say that, but maybe we're getting a little rushed. I was worried about Anatoly, and I admit I didn't expect him to come. ”

"Ah, yes, I'm sorry. While I was waiting for you, he caught up with me. Don't worry too much. His honor as a knight requires him to get you safely to Boston. ”

"I don't value his honor."

"Let me put it another way, other people's perceptions of his honor are important to him. He's not going to kill you on the way, I'm sure. If he tried, it would have turned out badly. ”

She smirked and raised her arms. A weapon as dark as the Void seemed to fall out of nowhere into her prepared palm. For a moment, she had no weapons, and for a moment, she held a long sword with a triangular tip and a thin tip that could probably pierce a steel plate with its own weight. The sword is delicate, and the hilt is decorated with small roses. The handle is engraved with a scale. It looks elegant and deadly.

"Soul Blade!"

"Yes, dear. I present to you 'justice', which was recently accomplished with the assistance of a Cádiz blacksmith. ”

"Beautiful. I guess I should congratulate you, right?"

"For both of us. If only we could celebrate. I'm afraid we'll have to wait a few months before we have a formal celebration. ”

"How many months will the trial take?!"

"It's not a judgment, it's your chance to enter society. Once you're okay, your application to get into the House of Representatives will begin. You can expect the Lancasters to regain control of you with fangs and claws. They are experts in legal matters, and they simply can't let you get away with it. ”

"I ...... Need a lawyer?"

"I've been in touch with some potential candidates. Don't worry too much, you've made a lot of allies, and the Lancastrians have a lot of enemies. They sent Lambert because they knew they couldn't stand, but if we weren't careful, they might demand huge compensation. I'm not going to let that happen. ”

"I see. So what now, shall I stay in the house until we get to Boston?"

"Of course not. It takes a week, mortals drive during the day, we drive at night. Our horses are low-level nightmares, they don't get tired. You can walk around while we're camping, and the rest of the time, I advise you to always be in our sight and never be alone with Anatoly in any case. For the rest, use common sense. ”

"I still don't understand why he hates me so much."

"His surname is Roland. Their indestructible will sometimes makes them stubborn to the point of stupidity, and this is the case here. Anatoly, Holy Eye forgive me for using the word, a crusade is underway to purge the world of everything that does not conform to his distorted peace and order. You've also proven to be elusive and intelligent, a combination that's sure to irritate him. The only good news is that he used a lot of resources to track you down, but without success, diverting them away from more important operations. Constantine's patience had come to an end, and his trust in the Anatolian judgment was at an all-time low. You probably sensed the tension in our group, right?"

"It's hard not to."

"I assure you, others would rather go hunting down dangerous hooligans and emerging wolves than wandering aimlessly through the back of Illinois all night. His position was weakened, which is why I was able to openly rebel against him. ”

"Yes, it shocked me. I don't think that a respectable person like you would fight with a superior officer. ”

"If someone is a jerk, I'll fight with them. Ah, we're moving. Come on, tell me more about that Merritt girl you wrote about, and then I'll tell you how I made Antz my human servant. ”

It was nice to see Jimina again and while we were making small talk, I realised I wasn't so worried anymore.